Bedside Ultrasound

Bedside ultrasound (US) is a safe, non-invasive diagnostic procedure that allows rapid evaluation of undifferentiated hypotension and identification of reversible causes of shock. The components of critical care US the intensivist should achieve competence in for routine ICU operations include the following: critical care echocardiography, pleural ultrasonography, lung ultrasonography, abdominal ultrasonography, and vascular ultrasonography: guidance of vascular access and diagnosis of venous thrombosis. This chapter provides information on indications and basic concepts of bedside US with a focus on scanning techniques, clinical applications, and effective patient management. The focused assessment using sonography for trauma exam is the standard of care in the initial evaluation of trauma patients with hypotension or signs of shock.